How to Get Verified on Twitter/X in 2026 — X Premium Guide
✓ Updated May 2026. Everything you need to know about getting verified on Twitter/X in 2026. X Premium subscription costs, blue/gold/gray check meanings, eligibility, and step-by-step application process.
⚠️ Important Change
Since Elon Musk's acquisition and rebranding to X, the verification system has changed completely. The blue checkmark no longer means "notable" — it means you have an active X Premium subscription. Verification is now a paid feature.
What Is X Premium (Twitter Blue)?
X Premium is the paid subscription service for Twitter/X. It replaced the legacy verification system and is the only way to get the blue checkmark in 2026. X Premium subscribers get the blue check, priority in replies and search, longer posts (up to 25,000 characters), edit button, bookmark folders, and reduced ads.
Verification Check Types
🔵 Blue Check
Individual X Premium subscribers. $8/month web, $11/month iOS. Identity verified via phone + ID. Most common verification type.
🟡 Gold Check
Verified Organizations. $1,000/month for primary org, $50/month per affiliate. Square profile photo. Companies, brands, non-profits.
⚪ Gray Check
Government and multilateral organizations. Free for qualifying entities. Government officials, embassies, UN organizations, public broadcasters.
X Premium Pricing (2026)
| Plan | Web Price | iOS Price | Check Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| X Premium Monthly | $8.00 | $10.99 | Blue |
| X Premium Yearly | $84.00 | $114.99 | Blue |
| Verified Org (Primary) | $1,000/mo | N/A | Gold |
| Verified Org (Affiliate) | $50/mo | N/A | Gold |
Step-by-Step: Get the Blue Check
- 1Ensure eligibility: Your account must be at least 7 days old, have a confirmed phone number, a complete profile (display name + profile photo), and no recent ToS violations.
- 2Subscribe to X Premium: Go to Settings > Your Plan > X Premium. Choose monthly ($8) or yearly ($84). Complete payment via credit card or mobile billing.
- 3Verify your phone number: Provide a valid phone number for SMS verification. This prevents bots and confirms your identity.
- 4Submit government ID: Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or national ID). X uses this to match your name and date of birth.
- 5Wait for verification: X reviews your ID and confirms your subscription. The blue checkmark typically appears within 24-72 hours. You will receive a notification when it is active.
Eligibility Checklist
✅ Requirements
- 18+ years of age
- Active X Premium subscription
- Confirmed phone number
- Government-issued photo ID
- Complete profile (name + photo)
- Account at least 7 days old
⚠️ Disqualifiers
- Recent Terms of Service violations
- Impersonation or misleading profile
- Incomplete profile info
- Previously suspended accounts
- Name changes within 7 days
- VPN usage during ID verification
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Twitter/X verification cost in 2026?
X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue) costs $8/month when purchased on the web, or $11/month when purchased through the iOS App Store (Apple fees). An annual subscription is $84/year on the web ($7/month equivalent). This includes the blue verification checkmark.
What does the blue check mean on X in 2026?
The blue checkmark on X now indicates the account has an active X Premium subscription. It no longer signifies "notability" or verification of importance. It means the user has verified their identity (phone + ID) and paid for the subscription. Gold checks indicate verified organizations, and gray checks indicate government/multilateral accounts.
How do I apply for X Premium verification?
What are the requirements for X verification?
You must be 18+, have an active X Premium subscription, complete phone number verification, provide a government-issued ID, have a complete profile (display name, profile photo, confirmed email), and have no recent Terms of Service violations. Your account must be at least 7 days old with a confirmed phone number.
What is the difference between blue, gold, and gray checks?
Blue check: individual X Premium subscribers ($8/month). Gold check: verified organizations verified through X's Verified Organizations program ($1,000/month for primary, $50/month for each additional affiliate). Gray check: government officials, multilateral organizations, and certain public service accounts. Each color indicates a different verification category.